CLS: Operation Christmas Child

The Public Service Board is supporting a project called Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child is part of a larger organization called Samaritan's Purse, which ships our boxes to impoverished children around the world who otherwise would not receive a Christmas gift. The following website explains more about the organization: CLICK HERE Please find additional information below about what to do, as well as what you can and cannot pack in the box.

I encourage you to purchase the small, inexpensive plastic containers at Target or Walmart (provided that they are about the same size as a shoe box) and pack your gifts inside of them. The children and their families can then re-use the containers. Feel free to pack as many boxes/containers as you would like, and include a personal note (and even a picture) inside in order to personalize the gift.

How to Pack a Shoe Box

1. SHOE BOX

Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required.

2. BOY OR GIRL?

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label shown above. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box. You can download labels HERE.

3. FILL WITH GIFTS

Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page.

4. INCLUDE YOUR DONATION (OPTIONAL)

If possible please donate $7 to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our EZGIVE option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. Although this is highly recommended, it is not mandatory.

5. BRING YOUR BOX TO THE LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION SUITE BY MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15.

Gift Ideas

TOYS
Small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS
Toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER
Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

A PERSONAL NOTE
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

DO NOT INCLUDE:
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

Contact Krista Griffith (KJGriffith@stthomas.edu) with any questions.